Curriculum

This course presents a broad overview of medical imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI) and an in-depth discussion of ultrasound imaging, especially vascular sonography for health professionals. Fall Semester. 3 credits

This course describes the anatomy and physiology of the whole of the cardiovascular system in both humans and animals. Use of classical textbooks plus 3D computer-aided anatomical models to demonstrate clinically important relationships of normal and abnormal anatomical structures, and between normal and pathological conditions. Anatomical landmarks. Correlation between abnormal anatomy and abnormal physiological function. Fall Semester. 3 credits

Ultrasound is a powerful tool for discerning the shapes, sizes, and textures of structures, their locations, and their spatial relationships. To optimize diagnostic images and operate safely, it is essential to understand fundamental principles of ultrasound. To minimize the thermal and mechanical effects of sound energy on tissue it is essential to know which tissues are most vulnerable; and understand how to adjust the ultrasound unit to produce optimal images with the least output intensity. To correctly interpret ultrasound images, is necessary to understand how to minimize artifacts. Fall Semester. 3 credits

Communication skills required for the practice of all healthcare professions, including word roots, prefixes, suffixes and combining forms of medical terms. Particular emphasis on medical terminology of the cardiovascular system, especially diseases of the peripheral vasculature. Fall Semester. 3 credits

Legal and ethical issues are central to all healthcare professions. This course will examine topics such as the sanctity of human life, confidentiality, professional relationships, and what constitutes malpractice. Emphasis will be placed upon the rights, duties, and professional responsibilities under the law. Special emphasis will be placed on learning the moral lessons and ethical tenants taught by the Catholic Church. Exercises are used to develop critical thinking and skill in evaluating and resolving ethical dilemmas encountered in all healthcare professions. Fall Semester. 3 credits

Carotid ultrasonography is a useful diagnostic tool for assessing carotid artery disease. It is highly reliable, has no radiation risk, and has no risks when compared to conventional angiography. This course represents a rigorous introduction to carotid ultrasonography. The clinical material is presented by means of case studies. This course covers extracranial cerebral vasculature including the external carotid artery (ECA), common carotid artery (CCA), internal carotid artery (ICA), the vertebral artery and subclavian artery. Spring Semester. 3 credits

This course examines case studies of vascular disorders and hand/wrist disease which highlight the potential and limitations of ultrasonography in the study of the most common lesions of the upper limb. This course covers upper limb vasculature including the subclavian, axillary, brachial, radial, ulnar and digital arteries. This course also covers veins including the internal jugular, subclavian, axillary, brachial, cephalic, basilic, radial and ulnar veins. Spring Semester. 3 credits

Ultrasonography is widely used to evaluate venous diseases of the lower extremities. Venous ultrasound is the standard imaging test for detecting thrombi when thrombophlebitis is suspected in patients suspected of having acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT). This course also discusses the diagnosis of lower limb peripheral arterial disease (PAD) by means of duplex ultrasonography. This course covers lower limb vasculature including the external iliac, common femoral, superficial femoral, deep femoral, popliteal, tibioperoneal trunk, posterior tibial, anterior tibial, peroneal, and dorsalis pedis arteries. This course also covers veins including the external iliac, common femoral, femoral, deep femoral, popliteal, great saphenous, small saphenous, tibioperoneal trunk, and calf veins. Spring Semester. 3 credits

Aortic aneurysms are common vascular diseases characterized by a permanent luminal dilation of the thoracic and/or abdominal aorta. Ultrasound imaging of the thoracic and abdominal aorta to determine aneurysm dimensions and to diagnose thrombus, calcification, dissection of the aortic wall. This course covers abdominal and pelvic vasculature including the aorta, celiac hepatic, splenic, superior mesenteric/inferior mesenteric, renal, common iliac, internal iliac, and external iliac arteries. This course also covers veins including the inferior vena cava, hepatic, portal, splenic, mesenteric, renal, pelvic varices, common iliac, internal iliac and external iliac veins. Spring Semester. 3 credits

Independent Study

The 80-hour clinical clerkship is intended to offer a real-life opportunity for the diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and other pathological conditions by means of vascular sonography. Since each student’s clinical experience and exposure to the diagnosis of peripheral vascular disease depends upon the conditions of actual patients, experiences vary. The clinical clerkship includes: (i) a minimum of 80 hours of clinical experience; (ii) a minimum of 20 hours of face-to-face clinical instruction in vascular sonography (including a maximum of 10 hours of group instruction); and (iii) a minimum of 40 hours of supervised clinical experience performing vascular sonography. The clinical clerkship may be undertaken at the student’s place of work or nearby medical imaging facility. Spring Semester. 3 credits